Carica papaya is the scientific name of the orange and green fruit known more commonly as papaya. It tastes sweet and has a soft texture that many find appealing. The seeds are also edible, although they’re more bitter than the fruit itself. Papayas contain high levels of antioxidants vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Diets high in antioxidants may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Additionally, papaya’s high fiber content may reduce the risk of heart disease. High-fiber diets lower cholesterol levels. Papaya also has folic acid, which is essential for converting the amino acid homocysteine into less harmful amino acids. High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid primarily found in meat products, are a risk factor for heart disease. So eating papaya in your diet may lower homocysteine levels, reducing this risk factor.
In addition to keeping your body healthy, papaya can also help your skin look more toned and youthful. The vitamin C and lycopene in papaya protect your skin and may help reduce these signs of aging. The powerful antioxidants in papaya can help your skin recover from sun damage and may defend against wrinkling.
